| London tours are popular with many tourists | | | | the time represented the domination of the |
| as this is a capital city rich with history | | | | Normans over the surrounding population. The |
| and a heritage that is intrinsically linked | | | | other buildings were added later and the |
| to the development of this illustrious | | | | grounds have seen important events from |
| nation. When visiting London, those on tours | | | | history such as the beheading of Anne Boleyn, |
| almost always find it difficult to decide on | | | | Elizabeth I's imprisonment and many other |
| which of the many attractions to visit. | | | | instances of torture and execution. Today the |
| Hopefully, the following information on some | | | | tower houses the crown jewels of the realm. A |
| of the most important historical sites in the | | | | must see for those with a love of opulence |
| capital will help ease the decision, leading | | | | and sparkling adornment. |
| to more enjoyable and rewarding tours. | | | | |
| | | | The Royal Naval College at Greenwich is the |
| The history of London is fascinating; a | | | | third of the heritage sites worth seeing on |
| settlement since the time of the Roman | | | | tours of London. Designed by heralded |
| occupation it rapidly developed as an | | | | architect Sir Christopher Wren, the designer |
| important trade post and centre of culture | | | | of St Paul's Cathedral it is a fine example |
| and political power. Since this period the | | | | of his work. Until a decade ago the site |
| city continued to grow, becoming the | | | | still operated as a college, training members |
| country's capital and the site of some of the | | | | of the navy. A fabulous building that |
| most important events throughout English | | | | dominates the Thames waterfront it imposing |
| history. For those on tours, there are a | | | | size and design is especially beautiful from |
| number of interesting sights, many of which | | | | the river; the eye being attracted by the two |
| are considered to be UNESCO World Heritage | | | | towers to the sublime palace and hillside in |
| Sites; here are just four of them. | | | | the background. |
| | | | |
| The first of these historical sites that | | | | Finally, of the world heritage sites in |
| should be included in tours of London is the | | | | London the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew are |
| Palace of Westminster. While today the palace | | | | well worth including in most tours. The |
| is the home of the legislative and | | | | gardens contain some fantastic examples of |
| administrative bodies; throughout history it | | | | glasswork buildings that are considered by |
| was the home of kings and political rule. | | | | many to be reason enough to visit Kew. Inside |
| Some parts of the medieval palace remain | | | | these domineering glass houses are some of |
| although the exterior is a Victorian | | | | the most varied and diverse plant species |
| neo-gothic design. As one of the most | | | | kept anywhere in the world; the site remains |
| recognisable sights anywhere in the world, | | | | today as one of the world's leading research |
| tours should include this not only because of | | | | facilities in the field of botanical study. |
| its fascinating history, but also for the | | | | The gardens themselves also offer tourists a |
| photo opportunities. | | | | welcome distraction from the hustle and |
| | | | bustle of the city. |
| Of equal importance is the Tower of London, a | | | | |
| world heritage site that should be included | | | | Hopefully these sites will be part of many |
| in the itineraries of most tours. The history | | | | people's tours of London. With so much to see |
| of this royal residence contains some of the | | | | and so little time compiling an itinerary can |
| most gruesome tales from the English past. At | | | | be difficult. With the inclusion of these |
| the centre of the site lies the medieval | | | | sites a trip to London should be interesting, |
| White Tower; an important building that at | | | | educational and enjoyable. |